Concern grows for Cameroon human rights lawyer

27 March 2017

CONCERN GROWS OVER
MILITARY TRIAL

FOR DETAINED
CAMEROON HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYER

The arrest of human rights lawyer Nkongho Felix Agbor-Balla in
the Republic of Cameroon has sparked growing concern in legal
circles as reports indicate that he may face trial in a closed
military court.

The Bar Council is the latest legal body to call on the
country's President to ensure that the lawyer has a fair trial,
following news that his trial date has been pushed back for the
third time.

Arrested on 17 January without warrant after organising peaceful
protests in West Cameroon, Nkongho Felix Agbor-Balla has been
denied communication to the outside world. His trial date has now
been set for 7 April.

According to the latest reports, he faces charges including
terrorism, rebellion, contempt of public authorities and attempting
to incite civil war, some of which carry the death penalty on
conviction.

In a
letter to the President of the Republic of Cameroon, His
Excellency Paul Biya, the Chairman of the Bar Andrew Langdon QC has
warned that the use of military courts to try civilians in the name
of counter-terrorism poses "a serious threat to the proper
administration of justice."

The Chairman highlighted the Government's obligations under
United Nations principles that military courts should not be used
to try civilians, and that lawyers have the right to take part in
public discussions and meetings without suffering professional
restrictions.

In an open letter, the Chairman has written: "We urge the
Government of the Republic of Cameroon to comply with its
obligations under international law and to ensure that any trial is
conducted fairly and in accordance with due legal process."